Dendrite-Free Lithium Batteries Enabled by an Artificial High-Dielectric Biopolymer Interface Layer

Abstract

Lithium (Li) metal batteries face challenges, such as dendrite growth and electrolyte interface instability. Artificial interface layers alleviate these issues. Here, cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) nanomembranes, with excellent mechanical properties and high specific surface areas, combine with polyvinylidene-hexafluoropropylene (PVDF-HFP) porous membranes to form an artificial solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer. The porous structure of PVDF-HFP equalizes the electric field near metallic lithium surfaces. The high mechanical modulus of CNC (6.2 GPa) effectively inhibits dendrite growth, ensures the uniform flow of lithium ions to the lithium metal electrode, and inhibits the growth of lithium dendrites during cycling. The synergy of high polarity β-phase poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and CNC provides over 1000 h of stability for Li//Li batteries. Moreover, Li//LiFePO₄ (LFP) full cells with this artificial protective layer perform well at 5 C, showcasing the potential of this film in lithium metal batteries.